Ethernet

Expandability

The simplicity and fluidity of expansion in a small office setting is of paramount importance. Every small office wants to expand, even if it is an addition of nothing more than a few additional networked computers. The ability to quickly and efficiently increase the number of available ports in the small office network must factor into any selection of devices for installation. In these situations, the stackable products excel, providing for expansion of the number of available ports without risking any of the networking limitations of their technologies other than the maximums placed on the number of stations in a network.

Port Count

The port count decision for a small office network is a simple comparison of expected station counts with supplied port counts. As the port count range from the smallest intelligent standalone device to the largest, maximum size intelligent stack of stackable hubs covers from 13 to 120 ports, there should be sufficient port availability to cover the vast majority of small offices without requiring links to other stacks or devices.

Price

As always, the price factor must be considered in the network design process for small offices. While there may be a temptation to always opt for the lowest-priced device that meets the minimum requirements, Network Designers must keep in mind that expandability, manageability, and internetworking capabilities all come at an increase to final expense. Even if you do not think a BRIM slot will be needed for another two years, it is less expensive to purchase a device with BRIM capability and not use it than it is to have to replace the networking hardware at a later date to meet additional needs.

Other Considerations

In some cases, there are special design issues that restrict Network Designers to particular hardware selections. Limited available space, for example, or the environmental conditions of the install location may play a part in the selection of a networking device for the home office. These specialized considerations are beyond the scope of this document, but a large amount of information can be found in the Cabletron Systems Networking Solutions Product Guide.

Ethernet Workgroup Design

6-13

Page 75
Image 75
Cabletron Systems bridges, switches manual Expandability